Foundation French Artist Typcial Féfé Gears up for a Musical 2017

Story by Nat Ladiva

typical-fefeTypical Féfé is a foundation French reggae artist who has collaborated with several other established French acts: Tonton David, Nuttea, MC Janik, and that is just to name a few. He evolved from the sound system culture, journeying between France and the Caribbean. He is currently among the new generation / new vibration with artists like as Tiwony and Straïka D and together they work under the label Record 7 Seals.

Typical Féfé continues to work extremely hard in France and the Caribbean, where he recently shared the scene with the legendary group “Ruffneg” (in Martinique). They celebrated their 20 year career.

Fans and supporters of Typical Féfé now awaits his 2017 mixtape release which will include over 50 titles. Click here or on the image above to check out his recently released single.

Mikey General Confirmed for Kwanzaa Yawd Niceness in Portland, JA on December 31st (@MikeyGeneral7)

mikey-general-liveThe promoter of Kwanzaa Yawd Niceness is excited to announce the confirmation of one of Jamaica’s living legends, Mikey General to the 2016 staging. The Kwanzaa Yawd Niceness concert takes place on December 31st at Ellis Estate, Sherwood Forest in Portland, Jamaica.

Mikey General is considered one of reggae’s most exciting talents in conscious vocals. He has toured the world extensively going to Europe, USA, Africa and such far flung places as Australia and New Zealand. He has performed at many of the major world festivals. A Rastafarian disciple, Mikey believes in the goodness of creation and endeavors to spread the message of His Imperial Majesty to the four corners of the earth.

Mikey General is truly a world citizen of music, he has released over 700 songs and by the grace of the MOST HIGH hopes to keep singing. Patrons in Portland will get a treat as this musical genius will unleash several songs from his massive catalogue.

Also on the lineup for Kwanzaa Yawd Niceness is singing sensation Hezron as well as fast rising female artist, Karamanti, Digicel’s Rising Star, T-Rizzy, Tolerance and Jemineye. In addition to live performances, there will also be Poetry Reading, Story Telling, Prizes and Surprises; most importantly, the promoter – Grow Youth Universal – is not charging an entrance fee and of course, all are invited.

Raging Fyah’s Grammy Nod is Well Deserved (@Ragingfyah)

Story by: ©Sheron Hamilton-Pearson

raginfyahIt seems like a fairy tale – one short year after their NYC debut at Brooklyn’s Milk River as part of VP Records’ Dub Rockers imprint launch – Raging Fyah recently received the heady news of a nomination in the category of Best Reggae Album at the 59th Grammy Awards for their 3rd album Everlasting. Are they fazed by this news? Not really explains lead singer Kemar Bent who was accompanied by musical director, singer and keyboard player Demar Gayle at the VP media event held in Queens, NY on one of the coldest days so far of 2016.

Articulate, earnest and humble are just some of the adjectives that come to mind after spending time in the presence of two members of the five piece Raging Fyah Band. They are not new kids on the block as some would imagine, having put in the proverbial ground work; collectively and individually; backing dance hall notables like Vybz Kartel, Gyptian Cherine Anderson, Gregory Isaacs and Anthony B among others. Dissatisfaction at this secondary role and confidence in their ability to make the kind of music they wanted to hear led to the launch of their career as a performing band in 2008. The young men are all graduates of the revered Edna Manley College, with a veteran performer as the fifth member. They age in range from 28 year old lead singer Kemar “Kumz” Bent to 65 year old lead guitarist, veteran Courtland “Gizmo” White. Not content to just release quality products, in 2010 they conceptualized and executed the annual Wickie Wackie Music Festival held in Jamaica’s 8-mile Bull Bay area where incidentally Chronixx (then known simply as Jamar) made his first public performance! Hailed as part of the so-called resurgence in roots rock reggae this band has certainly piqued interest and has fans wondering if they are the new standard bearers of live authentic roots reggae music.

At pains to point out the incredibly hard work they’ve undertaken since 2015, in their first US tour, they performed in 34 cities, supporting American reggae stalwarts Stick Figure, an experience which both Kemar and Demar describe as extremely hard work but one that has its rewards in the opportunity of connecting with a diverse audience whose common thread is the love of roots music. 2017 looks to be just as hectic, with a short break in Jamaica for Christmas the band will set off again from January 24 through March 15 with Tribal Seeds on a 45 show tour. They will also perform with UB40 in the UK. An impromptu live acoustic set with Kemar accompanied by Demar on keyboards on “Splash” and “Ready for Love” was the perfect ending to an intimate and relaxed session and enforced the reasoning behind this band receiving a nomination to the Grammys.

Whether or not they win the Grammy, Kemar Bent, Demar Gayle, Delroy Hamilton, Anthony Watson and Courtland White, collectively known as Raging Fyah have already won, they’ve won and are winning the hard-earned respect of reggae purists by performing quality roots music with innovative and thoughtful lyrical content, but more importantly, they are achieving their goal of demonstrating that reggae is not just a three-chord musical expression; but by incorporating their knowledge of Beethoven, Bach and the classics learned at Edna Manley; they are composing roots reggae music innovative and timeless in nature, but still true to its origins – the heartbeat of Jamaica.

Aarhus’ Annual X-Mas Reggae Splash Takes Place Tonight!

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It’s that time of year again and lovers of Caribbean music and culture are excited, as the Annual X-Mas Reggae Splash goes down tonight! In keeping with previous
functions, the 2016 X-Mas Reggae Splash will feature some of the best selectors of Reggae, Dancehall and now Afro-Beat. On the turntables will be: DJ Tiger Moth, Ida I,
Riddim Fex and DJ Black Sheep.

As patrons have come to expect from a Jam Link Intl. event, there will be a spectacular live performance. The featured artist for this year
is versityle urban entertainer, Kingseyes and as this is the last big bang for 2016, there will be an after party.

The party kicks off tonight at 22:00 sharpe at Rodizio – Skt. Clemens Torv 15, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark – and entrance is 50Kr. For more information visit the FB event page by clicking here.

Morgan Heritage Now Accepting Bookings for 2017 (@morganheritage)

morgan-heritage1Although the past 18 months have seen Morgan Heritage performing worldwide in intimate settings and sold out stadiums alike, the Royal Family of Reggae who is known internationally for their riveting live performances, is ready to bring their new album and classic hits to music fans globally in 2017.

Critically acclaimed, internationally praised and world renowned, the band has always remained humble and their fans remained a priority. After receiving the highest musical honor in 2016, it is important for The Rolling Stones of Reggae to continue on this musical mission of getting their message of peace, love and unity to the 4 corners of this planet.

Submit any offers for all festivals, club dates, college dates or performing arts centers to email or by calling 786-683-9041.

Tropicalfete Announces Community Cultural Experience for Dec.18 in Brooklyn NY (@tropicalfete)

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Tropicalfete’s Steel Pan Ensemble

Tropicalfete is excited to present a community cultural event they’re calling, “A Free Musical Gift To The Community.” There will be performances by Steel Pan Ensemble, Klick Band with a brass section to give you that big band musical feeling. Mesha Steele, Sassy Ramoutar and Daria M will be blessing the audience with a few songs from their catalog. Veteran Calypsoian Dr. Witty will also be taking to the stage – he’s back again by popular demand. The live music will cover everything from pop, soul, classical, zouk, Chutney, reggae, calypso, and Steel Pan, all with a Caribbean flavor. We will also be honoring music producer, Roger Meltzer, with the Tropicalfete Award of Excellence.

The Tropicalfete team would like to thank city council member, Darlene Mealy, Citizens Committee for New York City, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the Mayor’s office, for the role they played in making this event possible.

December 18th 4pm Sharp Show Time 4:30pm
Brooklyn Music School Playhouse
126 St Felix St, Brooklyn, New York 11217
(Between Lafayette Ave and Hanson Pl)
https://www.facebook.com/events

Public Transit
2,3,4,5, B, M, N,Q, R to Atlantic Ave. – Pacific St.
http://mta.info
#pan #steelpan #Caribbean #music #culture #stilts #createnyc #mas
Paid Parking at: Discount Parking Inc. 180 Ashland Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Street Parking Available

Raging Fyah Receives Grammy Nomination for Best Reggae Album (@Ragingfyah)

raging-fyah2016 has indeed been a whirlwind for Pele, Demar, Anthony Watson, Courtland “Gizmo” White and Kumar collectively known as Raging Fyah. Regarded as one of Jamaica’s most promising young acts, the self contained band released their third studio album “Everlasting” to rave reviews from fans and music industry alike.

Proudly the top charting album received the highest honor in music with a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. Recorded live at Kingston’s legendary Tuff Gong Studios by producer Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown (whose credits include: Stephen and Damian Marley, Richie Spice, T.O.K and 2016 Grammy Award winners Morgan Heritage), Everlasting incorporates broad based influences, various acoustic subtleties, and a few guest artists, all of which displayed Raging Fyah’s established reggae identity.

Raging Fyah will kick off 2017 by being apart of California, award-winning reggae group Tribal Seeds”Winter Roots Tour” which will see the bands perform coast to coast throughout the United States commencing in Santa Cruz, California on January 24th, 2017 and ending March 10th in Tucson, Arizona. And an highly anticipated Grandslam 2017 tour alongside legendary UB40.